WASHINGTON (Dec. 8, 2009) - The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the Automotive Trade Association Executives (ATAE) support the compromise agreed to this evening by House and Senate leaders in conference committee negotiations on an auto dealer rights' amendment, sponsored by Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio, which will provide a fair process to address dealer concerns about the recent closures of General Motors and Chrysler dealerships.

The compromise agreement will give affected dealers transparency and the right to arbitrate to regain their dealerships. The arbitrator will balance the interests of the dealer, the manufacturer and the public to reach a decision about whether the dealer should be added to the dealer network.

NADA and ATAE extend their appreciation to Rep. LaTourette, who authored the original amendment, as well as Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin, D-Ill.; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.; Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; Rep. Frank Kratovil, D-Md.; and Rep. Dan Maffei, D-N.Y., who have pursued dealer rights legislation for the past several months.

These Members of Congress and their staffs have devoted substantial time and interest on behalf of the dealers. NADA and ATAE support prompt passage of the legislation which contains the revised LaTourette Amendment.